Abstract
This paper presents the current status of online teaching and professional development models among tertiary institutes in the Greater Bay Area by using three examples in performing arts, comprehensive, and research context. It lists challenges and perspectives of quality assurance for sustainable and achievable development. Specifically, it shares practical strategies on professional development, improvement of online teaching, and outcome-based education.
Online teaching, learning, and professional development have rapidly become a reality and they are widely accepted by tertiary institutes in recent years. This is particularly evident, especially after the social unrest in Hong Kong (2019), followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Once a remote topic has quickly morphed into the major scene, sometimes as the only way to sustain daily operations.
Teaching Introduction Programme (TIP) @HKAPA
TIP is designed for all new full-time and part-time academic appointments at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. This mandatory program aims to prepare new academic members with relevant knowledge, technology, skills and attitudes, which could effectively facilitate student learning. It consists of three modules in its twelve hours blended training sessions, setting teachers right into the hybrid teaching mode. The course itself is a combination of face-to-face and online.
Design Thinking (DT) @ HKUST (Guangzhou)
DT at HKUST takes an entirely different approach in teaching and learning. When new students begin their university lives, they could take any courses based on their interest. They do not pick a major till they have discovered their passion. From the second year, students can select a major as they become more curious in a specific field. Cross-disciplinary collaborations are encouraged throughout their study both for students and also faculty members. DT develops students’ ability to handle a problem that cannot be precisely defined. It defines a practical problem with social impact and trains students from different backgrounds to collaboratively solve a problem.
Learning English (LE) @ University of Macau
LE at UM has transformed into something “invisible,” so students do not feel they are pressured to “study english.” English is no longer an isolated course, but a teaching element in other courses such as Research Method or Media Design. A variety of learning options (MOOC, SPOC, RC, Tutor) and topics (Nature, Performing Arts, Business etiquette) are provided to students. Digital technologies are broadly utilised and promoted. Students, instead of submitting papers, are expected to build an E-portfolio, including 2-3 minutes thesis (monologue), 1 minute video abstract, podcast, E-poster, multimedia visualisation, installation, performance, etc.
TIP, DT, and LE are currently taking place in three tertiary institutes in the Greater Bay Area. Some projects have advanced faster than others, such as the LE project at the University of Macau. Its individualised learning with flexible timetables, allows students to self-regulate their own schedule, putting them in a driver’s seat for language acquisition. DT, which takes a similar approach as outcome-based education will begin at its Guangzhou campus in mainland China. TIP will start at HKAPA this Fall when the academy welcomes the largest pool of new academic staff on record.
Biography
Dr. Michael Li serves as the Assistant Director co-overseeing the Center for Education and Research, which comprises General/Liberal Arts Education, Practice/Performance as Research, and Education, Information & Technology at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Li promotes a pedagogy that combines arts, education, and technology. Originated in the field of performing arts, he extends his education philosophy to general education as well as MOOC, SPOC, and integrated and interdisciplinary pedagogies.
Katrine Wong writes on English Renaissance Drama and cultural studies. Her publication includes articles in top peer-review journals, book chapters with Oxford University Press, monograph and edited volumes with Routledge and Brill. In the past five years, She has given over 30 keynote presentations, seminars and workshops at international and national/regional T&L events. A Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Wong’s areas of expertise include outcome-based education, e-learning and pedagogical innovation.
Wong led the creation of Creativity, the first MOOC of the University of Macau. The course is listed by the MOE of China as a national first-class undergraduate course.